Leeds' concentration on youth since the Ridsdale era attracted praise at the highest level with the president of FIFASepp Blatter commenting "Leeds, a club I greatly respect, have to be applauded for its efforts in this regard".[6]

The Leeds United website describes the Academy's philosophy as follows:

"At Leeds United Academy, players must learn to be technically proficient, be able to deal with the ball anywhere on the pitch. Tactically they must become familiar with the club’s system of play and understand the strengths and weaknesses within it. Physically players need to become the football athlete, someone that can play at the tempo that is required to compete at the highest level and psychologically they need to have a balanced view of success and failure so that by the time they have reached the Professional Development Phase they have the confidence to be able to deal with the stress of playing to win, week in and week out."[11]

Only players aged 23 or under, on 31 August of the current season, are eligible to play for the Development Squad. Three overage outfield players, and an overage goalkeeper may also play. Only players aged 18 or under, on 31 August of the current season (primarily scholars), are eligible to play for the Under 18s.[3] Italics denotes player has received a call up to the squad but did not or has to receive a cap at that level.

The following list includes players who have graduated from Leeds' youth system and have either become established in the club's first team, another club's first team and/or have been capped at international level.